Emerging Technology Adoption in Cambodian Military Higher Education: An Extended UTAUT-2 Study

Abstract

Modernizing the education and training systems of the Royal Cambodian Armed Forces (RCAF) is essential for enhancing national defense capabilities and operational readiness amidst the evolving regional and international security landscape. This research analyzes the key factors influencing modernization efforts within the RCAF's education and training institutions. This study employs the Unified Theory of Acceptance and Use of Technology 2 (UTAUT-2) framework, which integrates elements from the Theory of Planned Behavior (TPB), Diffusion of Innovations Theory (DIT), Theory of Reasoned Action (TRA), and Technology Acceptance Model (TAM). To enhance the model's explanatory power, self-efficacy and anxiety factors were integrated into the UTAUT framework. A quantitative research method was employed to collect data from a total of 509 participants, including faculty, senior staff, and students—across two universities under the RCAF. The findings demonstrate that behavioral intention (BI) to adopt and use emerging technologies is significantly influenced by performance expectancy, self-efficacy, facilitating conditions, anxiety, and social influence. These factors collectively highlight the importance of both individual-level perceptions and contextual influences in shaping users’ willingness and readiness to adopt and integrate new technologies, whereas it is not influenced by effort expectancy (EE). Meanwhile, the actual use (AU) of modern technology for education and training is significantly influenced by behavioral intention. However, challenges such as resource constraints, resistance to organizational change, and insufficient efforts to build capacity are hindering progress. This study offers specific policy recommendations to defense leaders and emphasizes the importance of sustainable institutional reform. Furthermore, the need for additional research is emphasized to address existing gaps and support long-term changes in the field of military education and training in Cambodia.